subverting

Definition of subvertingnext
present participle of subvert

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of subverting Instead, these public dollars went to a DeSantis political fund aimed at subverting ballot measures to legalize private use of marijuana and constitutionalize women’s ability to access reproductive health care. Howard L. Simon, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026 While fashion has a long history of subverting religious motifs, Spradlin said the colors reflect a shift to sincerity, adding that Gen Z and millennials are outpacing older cohorts in church attendance. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 Mar. 2026 For his purposes of subverting elections, creating uncertainty may be nearly as effective as a real policy change. David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026 And her co-stars—Jacob Elordi as a brooding Heathcliff, Alison Oliver as an angelic Isabella Linton, Hong Chau as a steely Nelly Dean, and Shazad Latif as a swaggering Edgar Linton—would also be subverting our expectations. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2026 After collaborating with Sotheby’s on a 2024 installation of Impressionism, for which they were tasked with subverting assumptions of the movement, the duo are now conceiving the company’s new restaurant, Marcel, named after the architect. Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 8 Jan. 2026 So, yes, the Cinderella vibes are strong here, but Bridgerton is best when subverting the fairy tale tropes at its foundation. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Dec. 2025 Advertisement In an action media landscape of dark, twisted dramas, Study Group refuses to take itself too seriously, cleverly subverting many of the genre’s tropes. Kayti Burt, Time, 18 Dec. 2025 The White House strategy makes the unsubstantiated claim that the populations of some European countries want an end to the war, but that their governments are subverting democratic processes and not delivering it. Haley Ott, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subverting
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the Pima County Sheriff Office investigating Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is facing troubles of its own, as a former sheriff has accused current leadership of ‘corrupting’ the crime scene, and a deputy has been arrested and fired on a kidnapping charge.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • For Hildegard of Bingen, the German mystic, scientist, composer, and philosopher, women’s maternal bodies were not corrupting and degrading, but strong, nurturing, and creative.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Israel appears to have taken the lead on assassinating even low-level figures linked to Iran’s nuclear program while systematically degrading the knowledge centers that could prove useful in the future.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The determined plant can grow in many conditions, including sun or shade and wet or dry soil, displacing native species, disrupting local ecosystems, and even degrading riverbanks.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • However, the brand has seen month-on-month declines in sales since September 2025, pointing to weakening momentum in its core NEV lineup.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026
  • However, some Democrats warn against weakening their candidates when facing a Republican Party that’s flush with cash.
    Leah Askarinam, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • He was also found guilty of perverting the court of justice.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The brand, which was based on changing the status quo and perverting common ideas, was a success and Babenzien learned how to build a business.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hamas’ charter calls for destroying Israel.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • When season five begins, Ed is a leader in the separatist group the Sons and Daughters of Mars, a former agent of the ruling order now intent on destroying it.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Ratings often split between broadcasts, diluting the audience rather than expanding it.
    Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • However, hyponatremia, a condition that results from drinking too much water and effectively diluting the sodium content of your blood, can actually be far more dangerous.
    Brad Stulberg, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Israel withdrew its diplomats amid security concerns and deteriorating relations with Turkey, following the war in Gaza.
    Suzan Fraser, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Israel withdrew its diplomats amid security concerns and deteriorating relations with Turkey during the war in Gaza.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The 2026 State of the Union speech stands in contrast, a speech by a mendacious demagogue who has degraded his listeners by debauching their instincts.
    Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subverting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subverting. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on subverting

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster